Village Green
9 Firefly Ln, Bar Harbor, ME, 04609
Think of Village Green as Bar Harbor’s town square—but one that caters heavily to tourists. This central spot is where you’ll find scores of buses lining up to take visitors into Acadia National Park. But this pretty green space is also a great spot to picnic on a patch of lawn, people-watch, and more.
The basics
A small, peaceful park just a few blocks from the water, Village Green is a town meeting point. The Village Green Information Center is a good spot to ask locals some questions and get your bearings—you’ll probably wind up here if you’re taking the free Island Explorer shuttles, which use the green as Bar Harbor’s main stop. Many Bar Harbor tours (and some Acadia tours) begin at Village Green—or include it somewhere in the itinerary—as this is as central as it gets.
Beyond tours, Village Green is lined with restaurants, bars, shops, boutiques, and more. If you and your crew can’t figure out what to do for dinner or how to spend an afternoon, make your way to the green.
Things to know before you go
The Village Green Information Center specializes in information about Acadia National Park and sells park passes.
Village Green offers free Wi-Fi, benches, and some covered seating areas.
Find public restrooms at the Village Green Information Center.
How to get there
If you’re staying in Bar Harbor, odds are your lodging is within walking distance of Village Green. If not, the fare-free Island Explorer (Eden Street route) connects with the town’s northern outskirts. The Island Explorer can get you to almost anywhere on Mount Desert Island and beyond, including all the hotspots in Acadia National Park. It’s always free. Otherwise, nab a taxi or rideshare—parking is limited, so it’s best not to come with your own wheels.
When to get there
Bar Harbor is a popular place to be, especially in summer. The crowds around Village Green can get pretty heavy—if you want to experience this part of Bar Harbor in a more idyllic state, get here early in the morning, ideally before 9am. Or come in winter, when crowds are a fraction of their summer size.
The historical highlights of Village Green
Village Green used to mark the spot of the Grand Central Hotel, back when Bar Harbor was a Gilded Age getaway. After it was demolished, Beatrix Farrand (who designed the White House’s Rose Garden) designed the Village Green. Look for Bar Harbor's original 1896 street clock and a 17th-century tiered Italian fountain—and hop on a Bar Harbor history tour for more local Easter eggs.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!